Hampton Personal Injury Attorneys

What to expect when you file a personal injury claim

If you are considering a personal injury law suit in Hampton, you may need to know more about the legal process.  Those who are foreign to Hampton personal injury law should become familiar with the basic procedures, which vary in scope depending on the nature of each case. The injury lawyers at Joynes & Gaidies can help you better understand what to expect during this process.

Personal injury lawyers in Hampton

The first phase of the personal injury litigation process, known as pretrial, takes place before either party sets foot in a courtroom.  Hampton personal injury lawyers play a key role at this stage, which typically involves:

• Pleadings:  Hampton personal injury attorneys officially present documented claims and allegations that will be discussed in court during litigation.
• Discovery:  This refers to the process of soliciting information and evidence from each party through written or oral exchanges.  Personal injury lawyers in Hampton perform verbal examinations called depositions to elicit evidence from witnesses and have written questions answered in the form of interrogatories under oath.  They can submit requests for documents relevant to the Hampton personal injury law suit and motions for admission or denial of certain facts in an effort to narrow the scope of the case.
• Summary Judgment:  Either party can submit a request to have a judge render a decision on an issue critical to the case if the facts surrounding the claim are undisputed.  In some such cases, a judgment can be made based solely on the pleadings without a trial.

Hampton personal injury settlements

While some personal injury lawsuits require formal trial litigation, many are resolved instead by personal injury settlements in Hampton.  Settlements are one type of alternative dispute resolution, along with:

• Arbitration
• Mediation
• Summary jury trials

Settlements can be discussed and accepted at any time during the proceedings and often serve to make the litigation process shorter.  Either party can initiate an agreement although a qualified attorney should be consulted before accepting the terms.  In many cases, settlements are the preferred means of dispute resolution because they avoid a majority of the expense and hassle associated with traditional courtroom litigation.

Hampton personal injury litigation

If the case is not resolved in the pre-trial phase, it goes to the next step. After the pleadings have been submitted and the process of discovery completed, a trial is held where both parties are permitted to present their arguments and evidence to a jury in court.  This is the phase of personal injury litigation in Hampton that people are most familiar with.  It involves opening and closing statements, exhibit presentation, and witness examination.

Once both parties have had a chance to speak their part, and if no alternative means of dispute resolution can be agreed upon, a judge renders a decision.  While this ruling is considered final, the losing party may have an opportunity to appeal if their attorney can show that an error was made during the litigation process.

Personal injury attorneys in Hampton

An attorney plays a crucial role in the litigation process and can make or break a successful personal injury law suit in Hampton.  Those lawyers who maintain a deep understanding of Hampton personal injury laws and harbor keen negotiating skills can be expected to:

• Accurately calculate the value of all damages associated with your injury
• Act as a liaison between you and the other parties
• Negotiate the terms of a fair settlement

The Hampton personal injury attorneys of Joynes & Gaidies offer knowledgeable legal guidance throughout the pretrial phase, tried-and-true mediation techniques to resolve disputes out of court, and competent representation should your case go to trial.

Hampton Personal Injury law firms

Among the personal injury law firms in Hampton, Joynes & Gaidies is known to offer a superior level of quality and personal service.  While a Hampton personal injury can be very serious, it does not have to dominate your life.  Our experienced attorneys will treat you with the compassion you need and the respect you deserve.  We work tirelessly on your behalf to earn you maximum compensation and get you back on your feet.

From our offices in Hampton and Virginia Beach, VA, the attorneys of Joynes & Gaidies serve the needs of clients in the Tidewater Virginia area:

If you have suffered a personal injury in Hampton due to the neglect or wrongdoing of another, call us today at 1-866-943-8612, or contact us online for a free consultation and case evaluation.